By Agency Report
Ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has revealed why he snubbed offers from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Specifically, he stated that the two clubs wanted him as a second choice goalkeeper.
Recall, the 37-year-old attracted interest from North London clubs after his fine outing with the Super Eagles at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
He said he was keen on having regular playing time and his snub made the Gunners move for David Ospina who joined Napoli permanently last year after impressing on loan.
“Arsenal wanted me for second choice, but I was not interested. I also had an offer from Tottenham that wanted me for second choice also and I wasn’t interested,” Enyeama told ESPN.
“It was after the 2006 Nations Cup and then again around the 2014 World Cup. When I turned them down, that is when they [Arsenal] took David Ospina.
“For me, I was at the stage where I preferred playing even if it was for one of the smallest teams. That is what the agents that were involved told me. That Arsene (Wenger) wanted me but he is not so sure because of my height and things like that.
“People have their choices and I respect their choices.”
Enyeama had a trial at Bolton Wanderers in the early 2000s and was close to signing a deal with the Whites which never happened.
“I am still wondering why I didn’t sign. It was a trial that went so well,” he continued. “They even told me I was going to get jersey number 35. All that was left was just to do the medicals.
“I was supposed to be number three, because Bolton had two goalkeepers already, with Jussi Jaaskelainen as number one.”
